When Haylie Pegelow walked across the stage in 2018 to receive her degree in Agricultural Business, she thought her future was set.
What she didn’t realize was that her time as a Ranger was only the beginning of a much greater calling.
A natural around children, Pegelow admits she once overlooked the joy she felt being around them.
As a student, she worked in the Northwestern Recruitment Office and later accepted a full-time position as a recruiter while pursuing her master’s degree.
By 2019, she had completed her graduate studies and joined the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association as the office manager.
At the annual office holiday party, by coincidence she ended up sitting at the children’s table. Pegelow enjoyed her evening and little did she know this connection may become her calling.
“The spirited interaction between Haylie and the children was powerful to witness,” said John Allen, Director, Alumni Relations. “I told her later she should think, again, about teaching children. I am so proud of Haylie and where she is in her career.”
During this time, Pegelow was teaching a Ranger Connection course for Northwestern freshmen. She noticed a growing sense of fulfillment when working with students, something she hadn’t felt before. She began to realize she might have a passion and joy for teaching.
The Track to Teaching
In 2020, Pegelow took a leap of faith. She earned her teaching certification and accepted a kindergarten teaching position in Odessa, Texas. It didn’t take long for her to realize she was exactly where she belonged.
“I never thought I would have the patience to teach children, but being able to be a part of a child’s life and seeing how far they have come is such a neat experience,” Pegelow said.
While her passion for teaching continued to grow, she eventually moved to Midland, Texas, to serve as a second-grade teacher in a school of 1,000 students. She thrived in the classroom, but Pegelow’s journey wasn’t finished.
In June 2023, she began a Principal Fellowship Program through Texas Tech which offered her an accelerated pathway to school leadership. While in this program, her daughter Maya was born in 2024. Balancing first-time mom responsibilities and coursework, Pegelow completed her certification in August 2024 and stepped into a new role as assistant principal for Midland Independent School District.
“Being able to hear kids say they love school and they love learning is amazing and so rewarding,” Pegelow said.
Life Out of the Classroom
Outside of school, Pegelow and her family remain deeply involved in the community. As an assistant principal, she often attends school games and events to support her students. She says those relationships are what make education special.
Serving as an assistant principal, she has learned a variety of skills to use in any given situation.
“I have learned so much about the importance of communication, high expectations and staying authentic to yourself when in the classroom or handling situations as an administrator,” Pegelow said.
Pegelow is thankful to be a Ranger and shared it helped develop her in the current role of assistant principal she is today.
“I owe it all to Northwestern, and I learned the quality of a good educator during my time as a student.”
As a recruiter for Northwestern, Pegelow would go to high schools across the state and talk to seniors about attending Northwestern. Looking back, she realizes she had such passion and joy for speaking to those students. Those skills help her daily.
As Pegelow’s journey continues, she enjoys a challenge and pushing herself to grow as an educator. She plans to become a school superintendent in the future.
“I would like to be the first in my family to receive my doctorate; that is something in which I have an interest.”
Pegelow recognizes she grew the most when she stepped out of her comfort zone and decided to take the steps to becoming a teacher.
“I would encourage Northwestern students to get involved and give opportunities a try. Everyone at Northwestern is willing to help and support each and every student.”